News Summary
Manuel ‘Manny’ Ruiz has pleaded not guilty to charges of murdering Rodney and Tanisha Finley during a June livestream near the Bellagio. Las Vegas prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty, emphasizing the serious nature of the crime. Ruiz’s trial is set for next August, with conflicting evidence regarding claims of self-defense and escalating tensions on social media. Families of the victims are grieving and concerned about the influence of online interactions leading to violence.
Las Vegas: Manuel “Manny” Ruiz Pleads Not Guilty to Double Murder
Manuel “Manny” Ruiz, aged 41, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder in connection with the shooting deaths of Rodney Finley, 44, and Tanisha Finley, 43. The incident occurred on June 8 during a livestream near the famous Bellagio fountains in Las Vegas. Ruiz’s trial is set to begin in August of next year, following a court order from Judge Tierra Jones.
Las Vegas prosecutors have indicated they plan to seek the death penalty for Ruiz, citing the nature of the crime which involved multiple murders and posed a significant risk of death to others present. The tragic incident unfolded while the Finleys were engaged with their audience on their YouTube channel, “Finny Da Legend,” which had accumulated over 6,000 subscribers.
Details of the Incident
According to police reports, Ruiz had been involved in an ongoing feud with the Finleys on social media, which involved exchanging insults and threats. On the day of the incident, Ruiz approached the Finleys and allegedly shot them while their livestream continued. Evidence collected at the scene contradicts claims made by Ruiz that he acted in self-defense, as there were no weapons found near the Finleys when police arrived. Ruiz contended that he believed Rodney Finley was reaching for a gun; however, this assertion conflicts with the evidence presented by law enforcement.
Following the shooting, Ruiz turned himself in to the Henderson Police Department the day after the incident. Nevertheless, investigators reported that the livestream captured moments leading up to the shooting, detailing Ruiz’s actions shortly before the fatal encounter.
Family Reactions and Concerns
The families of the victims have expressed their shock and grief over the loss. Gracie Kennedy, the mother of Rodney Finley, had previously expressed concerns regarding the escalating nature of her son’s online interactions, urging him to de-escalate the situation. The Finleys’ son, who was also present during the incident, was among those who called emergency services, fearing for his parents’ lives as the altercation unfolded.
Legal Proceedings
As the legal proceedings continue, Ruiz remains in custody without bail. The case has attracted considerable attention, not only because of the nature of the crimes but also due to the involvement of social media in inciting violence. Both the prosecution and the defense will present their cases during the upcoming trial, which is expected to be a highly watched event in the Las Vegas community.
The court’s decision to set the trial date for August next year allows ample time for both sides to prepare their arguments. With the prosecution seeking the death penalty, the stakes in this case are high, and it is poised to become a significant legal battle as the details of this tragic event unfold in the judicial system.
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Additional Resources
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
